Shenise Johnson with Joe Z interview 10-25-22
One of the most prolific players in University of Miami women’s basketball history returned home in April 2021 as Shenise Johnson became the newest assistant coach for the Canes.
Johnson donned a Miami jersey from 2008-2012, finished her illustrious career near the top of the Hurricanes’ leaderboard in numerous categories. She ranks first all-time in steals (401), second in rebounding (1,020), third in scoring (2,262) and fourth in assists (556). Johnson is the only Cane to reach 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds at Miami.
The guard helped the Miami program make monumental strides during her time as a Cane, taking the team from a 2-12 ACC record in 2008-09 to becoming co-regular season ACC Champions (12-2) in 2010-11.
A two-time Associated Press All-American and the 2011 ACC Player of the Year, Johnson not only took the Canes to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, but also helped the program achieve its highest ranking (fifth) in program history.
Following her time at Miami, Johnson became the highest-drafted player in program history when she was taken fifth overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars.
She spent the next nine seasons playing professionally in the league, averaging 8.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in her eight-year WNBA career.
Johnson also played professional basketball overseas in places like Slovakia, Turkey and Israel.
The Miami sideline is a familiar place for Johnson as she most recently spent the 2020-21 season working as the coordinator of player development for the Canes.